2001 Holden Astra City from Australia and New Zealand - Comments

Nothing.

I bought my Astra hatchback just recently. Before purchasing, I test drove almost every small hatchback available on the market. I eventually chose the Astra because of its looks, handling and performance. In my opinion the Astra is the best small car available in Australia for the price.

Astra is very hard to fault, but if you were being really picky, then you should take note of the following:

- The seats are VERY hard, I'm planning to install some new ones next month.

- The gear change lacks the precision and smoothness common to Japanese cars.

- The throttle is weird, you really have to adapt to it.

- Don't get the factory CD player if you have to pay extra! The player is terrible. I was going to have the CD player installed (roughly 800 bucks), but after hearing the sound quality I decided against it. You can easily get a much better quality after-market CD player head unit for under $500 installed.

But don't let these negative comments put you off, no car is perfect. In terms of a package, the Astra is second to none for the price. And don't just take my word for it, the Astra has won the 2001 NRMA/RACV best small car (under $25000). It also won the same award last year.

Another piece of advise is that you should use premium fuel. It will give you a much better ride and more power. I actually did some calculation, using premium fuel (I use Shell Optimax) will cost you roughly the same as using unleaded. Although unleaded fuel is cheaper, but Optimax will allow you to drive further.

What are the fuel consumption figures using Optimax?

I too use Optimax and have done so from the second tank of fuel onwards (the first full tank was already in the car on delivery) and there is no doubt that the car performs better (I also believe it is better for the engine in the medium to long term). I have been rather meticulous in terms of ensuring that I only use Optimax and I would suggest readers do the same as it has the highest octane for premium fuel on the market and is arguably better quality. It is worth it irrespective of its slightly higher price, noting that the Astra's tank size equates to very little difference in price per tank.

My only gripe is with a continuous problem with the high mount stop light on the hatch forever rattling (dealer has tried three times to fix).

About 8.2L/100km for normal city driving in a manual car.

The other true 98 RON fuel is Mobile Synergy 8000 fuel. As it is newer than Shell's Optimax (optimax released in 99 while Synergy 8000 was leased earlier this year), some people believe it gives better performance.

I have personally used both fuels, and I have to say Synergy does give a slightly smoother ride.

Problem is though, as Synergy is relatively new, not all mobile stations stock them. You will have to look for the green Synergy sign.

Also, Mobile now calls normal unleaded fuel Synergy 2000 and the normal premium fuel Synergy 6000. Only Synergy 8000 is the true 98 RON fuel.

I have to agree with you about the seats - they're pretty shocking! I was just wondering what seats you ended up installing and how much you got them for? I have a 2001 3dr hatch and have had problems with the seats since day one. I'd be really interested to know how things turned out.